Treaties of Tilsit

The Treaties of Tilsit were two agreements signed by Napoleon I of France in the town of Tilsit in July, 1807.

The first was signed on July 7, between Tsar Alexander I of Russia and Napoleon I of France. The second was signed with Prussia on July 9.

The treaties ended war between Russia and France and began an alliance between the two countries which rendered the rest of Europe almost powerless. The two countries secretly agreed to aid each other in disputes - France pledged to aid Russia against Turkey, while Russia agreed to join the Continental System against England.

The treaties also created the Duchy of Warsaw.

Cooperation between Russia and France broke down in 1810 when the tsar began to allow neutral ships to land in Russian ports. In 1812, Napoleon invaded Russia, ending any vestige of alliance.

See also: War and Peace in Russia, 1796-1825